158 BIOLOGY OF AREA

Memoirs of the National Museum of October 1947 https://doi.org/10.24199/j.mmv.1947.15.17

:MOLLUSCA By C . .J. Galnicl, Ilonorary ro11ehologist, .Xational Jlusemn of Victoria, aucl J. lI ope Jlacpherson, B.Se., Conehologist, National .1.lluseum of T'"ietoria. LAND �lOLL USCA

1. Family ACA VIDAE Genus HEDLEYELLA 2. Family HELICIDAE Genus CHLORITIS 3. Family RHYTIDIDAE Genus RHYTIDA Family ENDODONTIDAE (a) Genus CHAROPA (b) Genus EGILODONri1A (c) Genus OREOMAVA ( cl) Genus ALLODISCUS 5. Family LAOMIDAE Genus PARALAOMA 6. Family ZONITIDAE (a) Genus HELICARION (b) Genus CYSTOPELrrA

lN'l'RODUCED LAND �lOLLUSCA 7. Family LIMACIDAE Genus :ThIILAX BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA 1 59 Family ACAVIDAE Genus HEDLEYELLA Iredale, 1914. Sedleyella atomata (Gray), var. kershawi (Brazier).

L871. Bulinuis (Liparus) kershawi Brazier, P.Z.S. Loud., p. 641. 1930. Sedleyella atomata (Gray), var. kershawi Brazier. Gabriel P.R.S.

Vic, XLIII. Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 66, pi. 3, figs. 1-8. Size of Type—Length, 50-79; breadth, 28-56; alt. 25-39mm. —Length 31-73; breadth, 15 -8mm. Type Locality—Snowy River, , Victoria. Observations.—This is a beautiful shell, easily the largest of our Victorian terrestrial forms, and apparently confined to the eastern portion. Consistency in shape is not apparent, as will be seen in the figures above quoted, and further examination of num- erous specimens convinces us that this Victorian form should be regarded as of varietal value only. Specimens from the Snowy River area, as defined in this report, are on the whole smaller than the type. Localities.—4 specimens (F 1671) Wombargo Creek (above

3,000 ft.) ; 4 specimens (F 1910) Suggan Buggan River; 8 speci- mens (F 1909) Honeysuckle Track, Gelantipy; 3 specimens (F 1911) Snowy River (Moon's Crossing). Family HELICIDAE Genus CHLORIT1S Beck, 1837. Chloritis victoriae (Cox).

1868. Helix victoriae Cox, Mon. Aust. Land Shells, p, 37. pi. 12, fig. 5. 1930. Chloritis victoriae (Cox). Gabriel, P. U.S. Vic, XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 67. Size of Type.—Mnj, diam., 15 99; min., 12 69; alt., 11 42mm. Type Locality,—Westerport, Victoria. Observations.—This is a very frequent and widely distributed species throughout the State, with an extension of range to King- Island and Mt. Kosciusko. It is normally of a uniform brown colour and when deprived of its characteristic bristly epidermis, it alters in general appearance, and is suggestive of another species.

Localities.—17 specimens (F 1899) ; Honeysuckle Track, Gelantipy; 14 specimens (F 1670) Wombargo Creek. Family RHYTIDIDAE Genus RHYTIDA Albers, 1860. Bhytida ruga (Cox).

1871. Helix ruga Cox, in Legrand, Coll. Mon. Tas. Land Shells, sp. 24, pi. 1, fig. 5. 1930. Rhyticla ruga (Cox). Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic, XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 69. 160 BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA

Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 9; min., 8; alt., 3mm. Type Locality.—Mount Wellington, Tasmania. Observations,—One of our commoner forms enjoying a wide distribution throughout Victoria. It somewhat approaches B. lampra Reeve but is immediately distinguished by its finer sculp- ture, i Localities.—1 specimen (F 1088) Honeysuckle Track, Gelan- tipy; I specimen (F 1689) Rockbank, Wulgulmerang; 1 speci- men (F1690) Wombargo Creek (above 3,000 ft.).

Family ENDODONTIDAE Genus CHAROPA Albers, 1860. Charopa fimerca (Cox).

1868. Helix funerea Cox, Mon. Aust, Land Shells, p. 16, pi. 3, fig. 1. 1930. Charopa funerea (Cox). Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic, XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 73. Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 6-34; min., 5-33; alt., 2-53mm. Type Locality.—Mudgee, . Observations.—A brown, closely-ribbed species, widely dis- tributed throughout the State. It is also recorded from New South Wales and southern Queensland. Localities.—7 specimens (F 1672) Snowy River (Moon's Cross- Tree. ing) ; 4 specimens (F1674) Murrindal Valley, W Charopa tamarensis (Petterd).

1879. Helix tamarensis Petterd, Mon. Tas. Land Shells (April), p. 30. 1930. Charopa tamarensis Petterd. Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic., XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 72. Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 6; min., 5; alt., 2mm. Type Locality.—Rifle butts, near Launceston, Tasmania. Observations.—A characteristic little species, possessing a wide and rays of rusty-brown colour. Two specimens from the same locality vary a little in that they show radials much wider apart, but as they are alike in every other respect we regard them as variants. It has a wide distribution in Victoria and at Mt. Kosciusko Hedley records it from Wilson's Valley. Locality.—4 specimens (F 1859) Tableland, West of Wombargo (4,500ft.) (K. C.Rogers).

Charopa brazenori sp. nov. (PI. 13, upper; Fig. 1.) Shell small, discoid, whitish, translucent, thin, fragile, um- bilicated. Whorls including protoconch about 4^, sculptured with numerous, equidistant, radial riblets to the number of about Mem. Nat, Mrs. Vict., 15. •l.ATK XII

. .

.\h m. Nat. Mrs. Vict., 15. Plate XIII

Honeysuckle Track, 1. CharojM brazcmm n. sp. Type Reg. N'o. K 17682. A

< Selantipj \'<>. River (Moon s 2. Champa snawyenm n. sp. Type Reg. P1673. A Snowy

( Irossing I view, Lower surface. a- -Upper surface ; b Side e

Rounded boulders of granite embedded in "Porphyry" -( ';nn |)l)cll 's Nob,

BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA 101

130 on the last . Interstices possessing tine growth-lines, reticulated by microscopic close spiral stride. Sutures well im- pressed. Aperture slightly oblique, rotundly lunar. Peristome thin, sharp. Umbilicus open, about one fourth of shell's greatest diameter, exposing all the whorls, and on which may be clearly seen the radial and microscopic spiral sculpture. Inner lip with a white callus, concealing many riblets. white with a dark line running from the tentacles to the mantle edge. Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 3-3; niin., 2-8; alt, l-8mm. Turn Locality.—Honeysuckle Track, Gelantrpv. Observations.—A small shell, with a near ally in C. ricei Brazier. The flatness and coarser sculpture of the novelty immedi- ately separates the two forms. This species is dedicated to Mr. G. W. Brazenor to whom we are indebted for help in held collecting and photographs. Type Reg. No. F 1682 A and 5 Paratypes (F 1682) in collection of National Museum of Victoria; 1 Paratype in collection of C. J. Gabriel.

Charopa snowyensis sj>. nov. (PL 13, upper; Fig. 2).

Shell small, white, covered with light brown epidermis, sub- discoidal, umbilicated ; nearly flat, slightly raised above the last whorl. Whorls 1A sculptured with tine radial ribs, number- ing about 50 on the ultimate whorl which is slightly descending. Interstices striated with minute growth-lines, averaging about fifteen and crossed by spiral stria?, the latter distinctly visible above and below. Sutures Lnpressed, Aperture a little oblique, roundly lunate. Peristome simple, thin. Several ribs in front of aperture covered by a white callus glaze. Umbilicus wide, about one fourth of shell's greatest diameter and showing all the volutions. Size of Type.— Ma.j. diam., 3 2; niin., 2 8; all., 16mm. Type Locality.—Snowy River (Moon's Crossing) Victoria. Observations.—An interesting shell which may be compared with the new species C. jemmysensis (these Memoirs ante p. ). However, the consistently higher spire and narrower umbilicus together with the distinct epidermis of the species are more than sufficient grounds for separation. Type Reg. No. F 1673 A and 5 Paratypes F 1(57:5 B and (J in col- lection of National Museum of Victoria; 2 Paratypes in collec- tions of C. J. Gabriel. Localities.—22 specimens (F1673). Snowy River (Moon's

Crossing) ; 2 specimens (F 1687) Suggan Buggan River. L ..

162 BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA

Charopa sp. % Size of Type.—Maj. diam. 13; min., 1-1; alt. 0-6mm. Locality.—1 specimen (F 1680) Wombargo Creek (4,000 ft.) Observations.—One, minute, imperfect specimen.

Charopa sp. % Size of Type.—Maj. diam. 31; min. 2-7; alt., 1-5. Locality.-—I specimen (F 1677) Snowy River (Moon's Cross- ing) in moss. Observations.—One, small, brown imperfect example.

Charopa sp. f Size of Type—Maj- diam., 2-3; min., 2-3; alt., 1-3. Locality.—2 specimens (F 1675) Snowy River (Moon's Cross- ing). Observations.—Two examples, dark brown (juvenile).

Genus EGILODONTA Iredale, 1937. Egilodonta bairnsdalcnsis (Gabriel)

1930. Charopa bairnsdalcnsU Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic, XLIII, (N.S.), pt. 1, P- 78, pi. 2, figs. 11, 12. 1937. Egilodonta bairnsdalensis (Gabriel), Iredale, Aust. Zool., III, p. 328. Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 2 0; min., 1-8; alt., 0-9mm. Type Locality.—Bairnsdale. Victoria. Observations.—A small, beautifully sculptured species, light horn colour, and possessing an umbilicus almost half the shell's diameter. Type in the National Museum, Victoria. Locality.—1 specimen (F 1678) Wombargo Creek (4,000 ft.).

Genus OREOMAVA Iredale, 1933. Oreomava cannflu viatiJus (Gabriel)

1929. Allodiscus cannfluriatilus Gabriel, Vie. Nat., XLVI, (6) p. 133, figs 1, 2, and text fig.

1930. Id., P.R.S., Vic., XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 83. 1937. Oreomava cannfluviatilus (Gabriel). Iredale, Aust. Zool., VIII, p. 330. Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 2-8; min., 2-4; alt., l-7mm. Type Locality.—Cann River, Victoria. Observations.—A small shell, readily identified, the spiral liraa bordering the umbilicus providing a useful recognition mark. Type (Nat. Mus. Vic), collected by J. Clark. Localities.-^ specimens (F 1681) Wombargo Creek (4,000 ft.). 2 specimens (F 1905) Tableland West of Wombargo (4,500 ft.) (K C. Rogers). BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA 163 Genus ALLODISCUS Pilsbry, 1892. Allodiscus niveus (Hedley).

1896. Endodonta nivca Hedley, Ree. Aust. Mus., II, p. 102, pi. 23, figs. 5-7.

Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 3-25; min., 2-75; alt,, l-5mm. Type Locality.—Wilson's Valley, at an altitude of 4,500 ft. ; Mt. Kosciusko, New South Wales. Observations.—A small, white, thin, shining shell possessing a narrow perforation and sunken spire or as the author describes it a shallow crater, one third of the shell's major diameter. It is a distinctive form and with the excellent figures provided no dif- ficulty should be experienced in its identification. The author remarks "This species nearly approaches E. antialba Beddome from Tasmania, from which its narrow umbilicus and shallow spire readily distinguishes it." Under decaying timber splendid examples were obtained, one of which exceeds the dimensions of type measuring 4- 3mm. This is an interesting addition to the Victorian land shell fauna. Locality.—8 specimens (F 1679) Wombargo Creek (4,000 ft).

Allodiscus meracus (Cox and Hedley).

1912. Flammulina meraca Cox and Hedlev, Mem. Nat. Mus. Melb., No. 4, p. 13, pi. 3, figs. 19-21. 1930. Allodiscus meracus (Cox and Hedley). Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic., XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 83. Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 4; min., 3; alt., 2mm. Type Locality.—Dandcnong Ranges, Victoria. Observations.—A small, pure white species frequently located in association with //. subdepressa Brazier, on many of our mountainous districts under charred and decaying timber. The animal is of a very dark colour rendering it more difficult to detect than its associate. In 1930, one of us (C.J.Gr.) referred to two specimens collected at Paradise Falls, near Whitfield showing a slight increase in size of the umbilicus. These are similar to the Wombargo shells and we regard them as variants of Cox and Hedley 's meracus.

Local it ij. —8 specimens (F 1679) Tableland West of Wombargo (4,500ft.), (K.C.Rogers).

Genus PARALAOMA Iredale, 1913. Paralaoma niorti (Cox)

1864. Helix morti Cox, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., (3), XIV, p. 182. 1930. Laoma morti (Cox). Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic, XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.), p. 78. 1937. Paralaoma morti (Cox). Iredale, Aust. Zool., VIIT, Pt. 4, p. 313. ;

164 BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA

Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 2-03; min., 1-77; alt., l-01mm. Type Locality.—Grecn-oakes, Darling Point, Sydney, N.S.W. Observations.—A small, brown species, exceedingly common throughout Victoria. Locality.—4 specimens (F 1676) Snowy River (Moon's Cross- ing) in moss.

Family ZONITIDAE Genus HELICARION Ferussac, 1821. Helicarion cuvien Ferussac

'.."1821. Helicarion cuvieri Ferussac, Tabl. Svst., p. 20. 1849. Vitrhia vcrrcauxi, Pfieffer P.Z.S., 1849, p. 132. 18G2. Yitrina verreauxi Pfeiffer. Reeve, Coneh. Icon., XIII, pi. 4, fig. 21.

1930. Helicarion cuvieri Ferussac. Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic, XLIII, Pt. 1, (N.S.). p. 85. 1937. Id., Iredale, Aust. Zool., ix, Pt, 1, p. 7. Size of average specimen.—Diam., 11; alt., 6 5mm. Type Locality.—Terres Australes. Observations.—A smooth, sinning species of common occur- rence throughout Victoria, and appears to prefer damp conditions under decayed timber. Reeve (toe. cit.) remarks "Distinguished chiefly by its narrowly produced transverse form." Its golden- yellow colour is fairly constant but specimens from Lilly Pilly Gully, Wilson's Promontory are much darker—approaching chocolate-brown. Locality.—1 specimen (F 1893) Wombargo Creek (4,000ft.) collected on damp Southern Wollybutt hillside.

Helicarion sp. f (aff. H. cuvieri Ferussac).

Size of Type.—Maj. diam., 14-0; Min., 110; alt., 6 -0mm. Locality.—1 specimen (F 1897) Honeysuckle Track, Gelantipy. Observations.—One specimen taken alive showing points of dif- ference with H. cuvieri, particularly as regards the animal. We are awaiting further examples to assist in our diagnosis.

Genus CYSTOPELTA Tate, 1881. Cystopelta pettercli Tate, var. purpurea Davies. 1912. Cristopelta pettcrdi Tate, var. purpurea Davies. P.R.S. Vic. (N.S.), XXIV (2) p. 331. 1930. Cystopelta pettcrdi Tate, var. purpurea Davies, Gabriel, P.R.S. Vic. XLIII Pt. 1 (N.S.), p. 86.

Size of Type—Length of foot 19 -5mm ; length of shield 16 -7mm. depth of shield 3 -75111111. Type Tjocality.—Narbethong, Victoria. BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA 165

Observations.—A small slug-like animal with its organs drawn into a dorsal hump as in the snails but without a shell. Living specimens pale grey, with two short darker lines on either side of the posterior end of the foot, and on the dorsal surface of the shield a few bright violet spots. Locality.—:] specimens (F 1891) Wombargo Creek (4,000ft.)- These slugs were collected on the wet southern slopes of the hillside to the North of Wombargo Creek. It carries open Wolly- butt jungle.

I ntkoim rcED Land Family LIMACIDAE Genus MILAN Gray, 1855. Milax gagates (Draparnaud).

1801. Limns gagates Draparnaud, Tabl. Moll. Prance, p. 100. 1930. Milax gagates (Draparnaud) Gabriel P.R.S. Vic. XLIII, Pt, 1 (N.S.) p. 87. A very variable slug; black, slate grey, dark vvtl, brown or yel- lowish, with dusky markings, pale underneath, acutely keeled from mantle to tail. Shell internal, a small calcareous plate. Locality.—2 specimens (F 1895) Snowy River (Deddick Cross- ing). Milax sowerbu Ferussac.

1774. Limax marginatus Mueller, Verm Hist. 11 p, 10. 1823. Limax sowerbii nobis Ferrusac, Hist. Nat. Moll., 11 p. 95:"), pi. VIII, f.

5 and <>. Type Locality— London, England. A slim creamy yellow slug; white beneath; the mantle with a deep brown horse-shoe shaped line; also a pair of dark lines run- ning from the mantle to tail. Shell a small calcareous plate. Locality.—20 specimens (F 1896) Snowy River (Campbell's (Jelantipy Nob). These slugs are vvvy common in 1 he whole of the area. Fresh Water RIollusca Gastropoda

Family 1 LIMNAEIDAE (a) Genus LIMX/TCA. (b) Genus [SIDORELLA. Lamellibranchiata

Family 1 CYCLADIDAE Genus PISIDIUM 166 BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA

Gastropoda Family LIMN^IDAE Genus LIMNAEA Lamarck, 1799. Limnaea brazieri Smith.

1882. Limnaea brazieri Smith, Journ. Linn. Soc. Lond., Zool., XVI, p. 274, pi. 5, fig. 15.

; Aperture long ; breadth Size of Type.—Length 9 diam., 5 \ ; 6 4imm. Type Locality.—Glebe Point, Sydney, New South Wales. Observations.—This shell, which is an interesting addition to the Victorian fluviatile molluscs, the author describes as ovate glossy, brownish horn-colour, somewhat strongly striated longi- tudinally by the lines of increment, without spiral or transverse sculpture. Our identification has been fasciliated by specimens from the type locality sent to the National Museum from the Australian Museum, Sydney. Locality.—50 specimens (F 1903) dam, Banool, Gelantipy, Victoria (A. Hodge).

Limnaea gunni Petterd.

pi. fig. pi. figs. 9. 1889. Limnaea gunni Petterd, P.R.S. Tas., p. 66, 2, 10 ; 3, and 12 (animal). 1939. Limnaea gunni Petterd. Gabriel. Mem. Nat. Mus. Vict., XI, p. 108, pl. 1, fig- 8.

Size of Type.—Length, 7; breadth, 5 -5mm. Type Locality.—South Esk River, near Launceston, Tasmania. Observations.—A very thin, fragile, yellowish horn-coloured shell, previously located at Tarraville. Locality.—22 specimens (F 1904) swamp, Rockbank. These specimens were found in a natural soak on top of the soft mud between grass tussocks. 1 specimen (F 1940) Sandy Swamp, Rockbank.

Limncea sp. The specimens, apparently distinct from any known Victorian form, are either too immature or too fragmentary for certain diagnosis. Locality.—13 specimens (F 1894) Little River, Rockbank. The Little River is a clear stream with a loose boulder bot- tom on which the snails were crawling in about a foot to eighteen inches of water. ;

BIOLOGY OF SNOWY RIVER AREA 167 Genus ISIDORELLA Tate, 1896. Isidorella newcombi (Adams and Angas).

1864. Pkysa newcombi, A. Adams and Angas, P.Z.S. Lond., 1863, p. 416. 1939. Isidorella newcombi Adams and Angas. Gebriel, Mem. Nat. Mns. Vic, XL, p. 117, pi. 2, fig. 22. Size of Type.—Length, 21; breadth, 14 6mm. Type Locality.—Ponds of Mt, Margaret, Central . Observations.—A thin, ovate-globose brownish shell with finely spirally-striated, whorls. Locality.—6 specimens (F 1900) Banool, (lelantipy. (A.Hodge).

Isidorella newcombi Adams and Angas var. crebreciliata (Tenison Woods). L

1878. Physa crebreciliata , Tenison Woods, Trans. Roy, Soe. Vie., XIV, p. 63. 1939. Isidorella newcombi (Ad. and Aug.) var. crebreciliata (Tenison Woods), Gabriel, Mem. Xat. Mus. Vie., XI, p. 119, pi. 2, fig. 25. Size of Type.—Length, 15; breadth, 7mm. Type Locality.—Oaulfield, Victoria. Observations.—On this form Hedley remarks, "There are on the body-whorl about thirty-two spirals of line cilise decussated by fine, close longitudinal lamella'. The latter as in the case of I. new- combi, rise round the suture into a sort of ruff, or collar." Locality.—10 specimens (P 1901) dam Rockbank; 18 speci- mens (F 1902) Little River; 1 specimen (F 1912) Banool, Gelan- tipy.

Latnellibranchiata Family CYCLADIDAE Genus Pls'lDIUM Pfeiffer, 1875. Pisirfiitm etheridgii E. A. Smith. 1882. Pisidium etheridgii Smith, Journ. Linn. Soe. Conch., Zool., XVI, p. 306, pi. 7, fig. 35. 1939. Pisidium etheridgii Smith. Gabriel, Mem. Nat. Mns. Viet., XL, p. 129, pi. 4, fig. 37. Size of Type.—Length, 5-5; breadth, 6-5; diam., 3-5mm. Type Locality.— Y an Yean Reservoir, Plenty District, Victoria. Observations.—The smallest Victorian freshwater bivalve. Smith (loc. cit.) remarks: "Umbones rather prominent, with the young shell forming a more or less distinct apical cap. Concen- tric strige very fine. Not unlike the European P. casertanum, but rather less inequilateral." Locality.— o specimens (F 1892) dam Rockbank (2,800 ft.) 17 specimens (F 1898) Sandy Swamp (4,500 ft.) Rockbank.